Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Fort Collins's Tech Scene

Fort Collins is where it's at for the tech scene! This place is buzzing with some seriously epic startups making waves.

But it's not just about the new kids on the block – major players like Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and AMD are also calling Fort Collins home. With a 21.3% projected growth in tech jobs by 2024 (way higher than the national average), this city is on fire! Whether you're into software, clean tech, biosciences, or data analytics, Fort Collins has got you covered.

And let's not forget about the perks – low cost of living and an awesome quality of life, so you can actually enjoy your hard-earned cash. The real fun begins when you dive into the tech events like TECHNOLOGYxPO Fort Collins, where you can rub shoulders with industry pros and get hands-on with the latest innovations.

And don't sleep on those Colorado-specific job boards for landing your dream gig.

Fort Collins is seriously the place to be for tech enthusiasts!

In today's tech world, networking is crucial for staying relevant and landing opportunities. One of the best ways to expand your circle is by attending meetups like NoCo Devs.

This crew has over 385 members and hosts monthly events at local breweries, covering all things tech - from web development to cloud computing.

Meetups offer a sweet spot for leveling up your skills and knowledge.

According to The Bulb Africa, networking exposes you to industry insights, potential collaborations, and job prospects that you might have missed otherwise.

Plus, you get to connect with like-minded individuals who can guide you through coding challenges or share tips on the latest tech trends.

To make the most of these meetups, here's what you should do:

1. Show up early and introduce yourself to people, don't be shy!
2. Actively participate in discussions, and don't be afraid to ask questions or share your thoughts.
3. Connect with the people you meet on LinkedIn or other socials, and keep the conversation going.
4. Offer to present or volunteer at future meetups, it's a great way to showcase your skills and get noticed.

By joining the vibrant NoCo Devs community, you'll expand your network, gain valuable insights, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech world.

The Northern Colorado Networking Group is where it's at if you're looking to level up your tech game and make some killer connections.

With over 2,000 members, this crew is the real deal. By joining, you get access to a whole world of perks that'll have you feeling like a total boss:

• Monthly Meetups: Think epic hangouts where you can vibe with other tech-savvy folks, swap stories, and get the inside scoop on the latest trends. It's like a continuous masterclass, but way more fun.
• Job Opportunities: They've got the hookup on exclusive job postings that'll have you saying "bye, Felicia" to your current gig. And with the collective brainpower of the group, you'll be unstoppable in your job hunt.
• Mentorship Programs: Imagine having a seasoned pro in your corner, guiding you through the maze of tech and dropping knowledge bombs left and right. That's what you get with their mentorship game.
• Workshops and Seminars: Level up your skills with these educational events covering every tech topic under the sun. You'll be a certified tech ninja in no time.

To get in on the action, just create a profile on their website.

You'll find a running list of upcoming events, so you can RSVP and start networking like a pro. Consider volunteering to plan events or coordinate speakers – it's a surefire way to make your mark and expand your network even further.

You gotta show up and get involved.

Attend those meetups religiously, introduce yourself to new faces, and don't be afraid to share your expertise through discussions or presentations. Just take a look at the success stories from members who've landed sweet gigs, started epic partnerships, and built connections that'll last a lifetime – all thanks to this networking powerhouse.

Fort Collins is about to be lit with the Founded in FoCo event, a celebration of all things entrepreneurial. From March 4th to 8th, 2024, the Fort Collins Senior Center is where you need to be.

This ain't just another boring conference; it's a chance to spark new ideas, learn from your peers, and build relationships that could take your hustle to the next level.

The Fort Collins Startup Week, happening from May 20th to 25th, is another must-attend event.

It's a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in Northern Colorado, from cutting-edge tech to social innovation, maker labs to music. You'll connect, collaborate, and capitalize on the entrepreneurial spirit that burns bright in this region.

If you're looking to dive deeper into Fort Collins' thriving tech scene, check out this article on the prominent startups making waves in the city.

And if you're hunting for a job in tech, these job-hunting strategies will give you the inside scoop on landing your dream gig.

Fort Collins peeps! If you're tryna level up your tech game, Innosphere Ventures is where it's at. This spot is the real deal for anyone trying to make moves in the startup scene or just get their skills on point.

First off, they've got a crazy lineup of classes and programs that'll turn you into a tech boss.

We're talking coding bootcamps, entrepreneur workshops, the whole nine yards. They'll teach you how to slay that pitch deck, crush those investor meetings, and build products that'll make people go nuts.

But it's not just about the classroom grind.

Innosphere is all about networking. They host these insane events where you can rub elbows with the big dogs in the industry, find a mentor to show you the ropes, or even meet your future co-founders.

It's like a tech party where everyone's trying to help each other out and make those connections that'll take you to the next level.

And let's not forget about their sweet incubator program.

If you've got a fire idea for a startup, these folks will help you turn it into a reality. They'll hook you up with advisors, investors, and all the resources you need to get that business off the ground and soaring high.

It's like having a whole squad of experts in your corner, pushing you to succeed.

If you're serious about making waves in the tech world, or just want to up your skills and meet some ballers in the game, Innosphere Ventures is the spot.

Get involved, get connected, and get ready to crush it in Fort Collins's tech scene.

Joining your local chamber is a total power move for networking, especially in the tech scene. The Fort Collins Area Chamber really hooks it up with their Tech Roundtables, where you can connect with all the major players in the region's booming tech community.

These roundtables bring together pros from all kinds of tech sectors, so you can collaborate, share knowledge, and make some serious business connections.

The Chamber's Tech Roundtables happen four times a year, and each one focuses on a specific cutting-edge technology or industry trend.

Recently, they've covered fire topics like cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing. You'll get the inside scoop from experts and have a chance to discuss, ask questions, and swap ideas with other tech-savvy folks.

According to the Chamber, over 75% of attendees make at least one solid new connection at each roundtable.

To really crush it at these roundtables, here are some pro tips:

1. Do your homework on the topic and companies: Get familiar with the roundtable's theme and the companies attending. This intel will help you have meaningful convos and spot potential connections.
2. Bring business cards and your elevator pitch: Have a concise, slick intro ready to share your background and goals with others.
3. Show up early, stay late: Use the time before and after to mingle and connect with attendees one-on-one.
4. Follow up and keep relationships going: After the event, hit up your new connections via email or LinkedIn, and suggest grabbing coffee or a video call to keep the conversation flowing.

As Thomas Perez, President of the Fort Collins Area Chamber, said,

"The Tech Roundtables are prime examples of how our chamber creates a collaborative and supportive environment for the tech community to thrive."

Colorado State University is at the heart of Fort Collins's tech scene, and it's where you'll want to be if you're looking to make connections and launch your career.

CSU has tons of events and programs that bring students, alumni, and industry pros together.

One cool thing is the College of Natural Sciences' Demo Day, where students showcase their tech projects to potential employers and investors.

The CSU Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) also hosts an annual Entrepreneurship Celebration, which is a great place to pitch ideas and network with mentors and VCs.

If you're a student, definitely join clubs like the Computer Science Club or Data Science Club.

They have coding workshops, guest speakers, and hackathons – perfect for leveling up your skills and meeting like-minded people. The CSU Alumni Association also hosts networking events like Rams Return, where alumni share their career journeys and insights.

But CSU's impact goes beyond campus.

Their Innosphere Ventures program has helped launch some seriously cool tech companies, like:

• Solid Power: a CSU spin-off working on solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, raised $20 million in Series A funding in 2021.
• Occuity: a CSU-born startup specializing in head-mounted display tech, secured $5.8 million in seed funding and partnered with big names like Microsoft and HP.

Innosphere Ventures also co-hosts the annual Alliance Data Summit with CSU Ventures, which is a networking event for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.

By getting involved with CSU's tech community, you can make valuable connections and get a head start on your career in Fort Collins's booming tech scene.

Libraries are a lot more than just books, they're places to connect! The Poudre River Public Library District in Fort Collins is the spot for leveling up your networking game.

They host all sorts of workshops and events for the local tech scene. According to research, libraries bring diverse groups together and help build social connections.

Poudre's workshop lineup is stacked with coding classes, software tutorials, and sessions to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills.

But the real highlight is the Library Cowork series, where you can cowork alongside other techies, get insights from industry pros, and make valuable connections.

Surveys show that over three-quarters of attendees made solid networking links through these workshops.

To really excel at networking during Poudre's workshops, here are some tips:

• Arrive early. Show up early to chat up other attendees before things kick off.
• Elevator pitch. Have your elevator pitch locked and loaded to introduce yourself smoothly.
• Participate actively. Jump into discussions and activities, let your expertise shine.
• Follow up. Swap contact info with cool people, and actually follow up after.
• Collaborate. Offer to collaborate or assist others on projects, it's a win-win.

Just ask local dev Sarah Rodriguez, who says

"Poudre's workshops have been game-changers for expanding my professional network. I've met mentors, collaborators, and even landed freelance gigs through connections made at these events."

The library is seriously the hidden gem for networking in Fort Collins' tech world.

The Fort Collins Creator Hub is a chill spot where people can make stuff and bounce ideas off each other.

It's all about giving you the tools and space to get creative, whether you're into woodworking, 3D printing, or coding. Volunteering there is a solid way to tap into Fort Collins's tech scene and meet people who are just as stoked about making cool things as you are.

If you lend a hand, you'll be rubbing elbows with makers, innovators, and tech pros from all walks of life.

Here's how volunteering can level up your networking game:

• Lead Workshops: Show off your skills by teaching a class or assisting with one. You'll gain some exposure and connect with attendees who share your interests.
• Maker Nights: These collaborative events bring together people from different backgrounds, creating an epic environment for networking and swapping ideas.
• Project Collabs: Jump in and help with ongoing projects, working alongside teams and expanding your circle of tech-savvy connections.

The Creator Hub is always cooking up events and projects for you to get involved with.

Like the "TechXploration" series, where experts lay out the latest and greatest tech innovations. Or "InventorFest", celebrating local creators and giving you a chance to link up with fellow innovators.

And let's not forget "Community Codeathon", where teams collaborate on coding solutions, building both skills and connections. By getting in on these initiatives, you'll find yourself tapped into Fort Collins's buzzing tech community before you know it.

The Fort Collins Coders and NoCo Devs groups are where the real action is! They're packed with coders, developers, and tech nerds who love geeking out over the latest trends and projects.

With over 500 members each, these meetups are the ultimate hangouts for anyone into coding, web development, or just tech in general.

At their events, you'll get to:

• Level up your skills: Learn from experienced devs who share their knowledge on everything from JavaScript to cloud computing. They've got workshops, talks, and hands-on sessions to keep you sharp.
• Showcase your work: Whether you're working on a personal project or a killer app idea, you can present your stuff and get feedback from the community.
• Network like a boss: These meetups are prime spots for connecting with other techies, finding job leads, and maybe even meeting your next co-founder.

But it's not all serious coding and stuff – these groups know how to have fun too.

You'll find plenty of social events, hackathons, and even meetups at cool tech companies where you can kick back, have a few drinks, and chat about your latest coding adventures.

Just ask Sarah Taylor, a web developer who's been part of the scene for a while: "Joining these meetups was a game-changer. Not only did I level up my skills, but I also met some amazing people and landed my current job through connections I made there. It's like having a community of code buddies who get as hyped about new tech as you do."

Alright, let's talk about how to level up your social media game and crush the networking scene in Fort Collins' tech world! In this digital age, having a solid online presence is key to connecting with the right people and landing sick opportunities.

The city's tech community is buzzing on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook groups like "We Are Northern Colorado Small Business Owners."

On LinkedIn, you can tap into a massive network of professionals, potential mentors, and industry bigwigs.

Join relevant tech groups, share your knowledge, and engage in discussions to establish yourself as a thought leader. Twitter is the place to stay up-to-date on local events, job openings, and industry news.

Plus, you can interact with influencers and organizations that are making moves.

To really shine online, here are some pro tips:

1. Profile on point: Craft a killer profile that showcases your skills, achievements, and interests.
2. Consistent engagement: Actively contribute to discussions, share valuable content, and build meaningful connections.
3. Virtual vibes: Attend online workshops, webinars, or meetups hosted by local tech organizations to expand your network.
4. Mutual gains: Connect with people who share your interests or have mutual connections – they could lead you to awesome opportunities.
5. Follow the leaders: Stay ahead of the curve by following influential tech experts and companies on social media.

By leveraging social media and building an active online presence, you'll be perfectly positioned to tap into Fort Collins' thriving tech scene and make connections that can take your career to new heights.